The group members include residents from the urban fringe as well as from the city centre and if you are interested in defending and promoting the countryside surrounding our city you are very welcome to join us.

At the summer meeting this year we were joined by Phil Belden, formerly Director of Operations at the South Downs National Park and currently an Advisor to the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

The issues discussed at meetings have been wide ranging and include maintaining green spaces in Brighton & Hove, city trees, the proposed development at Toads Hole Valley, the sale of downland by councils, developments at Stanmer Park and proposed road building and upgrading. Pressing housing issues including affordable housing, house building on green and brownfield sites and home extensions. Other issues include flying drones and major developments such as superstores.

This is an active group and where appropriate the issues raised result in action being taken.

Many of the group members are bird and wildlife enthusiasts and discussion has included contributing to Brighton & Hove Sparrow Project, mitigating the effect on migratory birds and other wild life of scrub and tree removal and of new development. Issues around water catchment areas, light pollution and the ‘green deserts’ created by golf courses have also been raised.

The group is beginning to focus attention on the City Fringe and on defending the strategic gaps between both villages and villages and the city

The next meeting will be held in early 2018, if you would like to join us you’d be most welcome.

Corinne Attwood, November 2017